i was expecting a bit more spice, chandler and Cassandra are too similar in names for me. i dont think chandler was a good name for the lead male. french, acrobat, rich, etc. i felt like it needed to be more masculine. i couldnt really sense the chemistry between the two, seemed a bit forced to me. it took me a bit to finish, had to stop and start again. the book was okay, a lot of questions un answered especially at the end with that cliffhanger, i will have to research and read the second book.

Wow wow wow wow Wowie wow. Holy shit. I did NOT expect to be so enamored by this book!!!! I really wasn’t sure about the whole circus plot, I had imagined something totally different. But fuck, did this book slap me upside the head and prove me wrong.

From the JUMP the plot, characters, immediate growing succession of things had me absolutely hooked. Seriously I was shocked!!! It was so intriguing and intricate that I felt myself getting truly lost in the world and being enamored by it all.

The spice was not quite there, alluded to but never like delved much into. Which was totally fine for me, as the story was so very interesting that I didn’t find myself caring for the lack of much spice. I truly didn’t feel like the story needed more than it had, it was compelling enough and the way it was written was absolutely amazing and always seemed sensual.

I’m actually extremely sad that I will have to wait till the second book to come out to continue reading this story and see how it progresses even more 😭

I really enjoyed the plot of this book. I haven’t read a whole lot of stories revolving around the circus and performers so that was refreshing! I loved the mystery element as well. I love when romance books have more than just romance to the story! I definitely recommend!

So. I don't even know where to really begin. For the most part, I wasn't a fan of this book. The last 10% was such a ride though and I really want to know what happens next so I will probably end up reading the next one because that cliffhanger was too much.

The main reason I didn't like it was because of the relationship between the two main characters. It bothered me how everyone kept bringing up that she had adored him since she was a child. That made it incredibly hard to not think of her as a child throughout the whole thing.

Aside from their relationship, I did like the book though. I have never read a mystery/thriller before and wanted to try something new. The idea of the circus being part of the story also really had my interest when I opted to read this book. Honestly, the storyline outside of the relationship was so good! It kept me on my toes and dying to know what was going to happen next.

I'm hoping the next book explores Cassandra's family more because I feel like there have to be more secrets on that side of it, right? Like there had to be a reason for the fire.

This book is great to read if you’re wanting a romance not like all the other ones that already exist. The plot/story line of this book are so unique, I’ve never read anything like it. This was the perfect way to start this series, and normally I genuinely do not like the first book or two in a series due to the fact that I just get bored, but this book was genuinely very good and I enjoyed it very much. This book had the perfect combination of romance and mystery, it had amazing tropes; age gap and mentor x student, if you like these tropes I definitely recommend this book. This was a very refreshing read and I highly, highly recommend if you want a break from the everyday/classic romances. Also, I loved that this was an aerialist/circus romance. I don’t read circus books often let alone one like this. If you don’t already want to read this, please add this to your tbr.

4 ⭐️ - This book is great to read if you’re wanting a romance not like all the other ones that already exist. The plot/story line of this book are so unique, I’ve never read anything like it. This was the perfect way to start this series, and normally I genuinely do not like the first book or two in a series due to the fact that I just get bored, but this book was genuinely very good and I enjoyed it very much. This book had the perfect combination of romance and mystery, it had amazing tropes; age gap and mentor x student, if you like these tropes I definitely recommend this book. This was a very refreshing read and I highly, highly recommend if you want a break from the everyday/classic romances. Also, I loved that this was an aerialist/circus romance. I don’t read circus books often let alone one like this. If you don’t already want to read this, please add this to your tbr.

2.5 Stars
-Outlier Here-
Love the idea and concept but had issues with the execution.

Cassandra loves the circus, especially after seeing the silk aerialist Chandler perform. She was mesmerized and made it her goal to work with him one day. Eventually, she met that goal. Chandler was now her new mentor, but he wasn't what she thought.

The novel started off great. I was intrigued by the story and the direction it was heading. But the story lost me around the middle. There wasn't enough plot, suspense, or sense of urgency to the story. Also, I didn't like how some of the chapters ended abruptly.

Overall, not for me, but if you're a fan of age gap (teacher/student) romance and shibari, this might be for you.

***Thank you to NetGalley and Liza Snow for graciously sending me the ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

I’m a huge lover of circus themes in books so I couldn’t resist picking up this book after reading the summary. My, oh my!! This one definitely took me by surprise.

The MCs chemistry was off the charts and DELICIOUS. Also, student/teacher dynamic!? Sign me up! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I’m excited to read the sequel when it’s out.

I learned about the circus while also enjoying a good romance. It was a good age gap and teacher student romance. The drama and tensions were palpable. It was cute.

I personally enjoyed this book. I loved the circus setting and I personally love a forbidden love age gap romance. This book contained just enough spice to give some oomph but not so much it disinterested me.

The plot/story line was engaging & kept me moving through the book once I got through those first few chapters and learned who the characters were, how their dynamics worked with each other. I thought the characters were well developed and they definitely had contrast and you could pull them apart from one another. I loved following the growing romance between Chandler and Cassandra. Very well written until the end. This story kept me on my toes the entire time I was reading.

The ending was it for me. It ended perfectly leading into the next book which I am anxious to read to find out what’s in store for these two.

I have to incorporate the audiobook into this review. I listened to the audiobook while reading the book and the fact that the author used a full casting for the audiobook blew me away. It was great to be able to separate each character and place them with their own distinct voice. It was almost like you could close your eyes and imagine the book playing out. It was truly an experience.

I would recommend this book to people I know, give them something maybe a little different than they are used to reading. I think branching out and reading something not in your norm, outside your genre or comfort level is great for a reader. I give this book 4/5 stars. Well done.

While this wasn’t my typical read, I find the book interesting and entertaining. However, I wish the book had more about the main characters’ passion for aerial silk and the circus environment. But if you’re a fan of spicy age gaps and forbidden romance, I think you will really like this book. Overall, I’m glad I got to read this.

Thank you for the opportunity to review! 3.5/5

Interesting. This read was different. Normally age gap romances don't phase me, and neither do the explicit scenes, but I just didn't love our male main character. I had a hard time figuring out who the main character was in the first place up until about the second chapter, nor could I discern the dynamics between them and other characters.
However, once the story got rolling, I did enjoy it! The plot itself was interesting and kept me invested, and the characters seemed real enough, if a little predictable at times. I especially liked the setting, and felt very immersed in it!

Overall, just not something I would personally pick up again. However, I would definitely recommend to some folks who I know would enjoy this!